Author Robert Walker graduated from Wells High School in Chicago, as well as Northwestern University, NU’s Graduate Masters in the study of English Education. Robert has also taught writing courses in the different permutations, whether it be developmental, composition, creative writing (both introductory and advanced), studying the literary masters.

The first novel he wrote was a sequel to Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, something only an arrogant youth could have come up with. Another early novel he wrote (later published as “Daniel Webster Jackson and the Wrongway Railway”) got published almost twenty years after he first wrote it. His first novel, that actually got published, was called “Sub-Zero”, which was released in the year 1979.

He was born in Corinth, Mississippi (on January 1, 1948), and grew up in Chicago, Illinois; one thing he saw from an early age, was crime. When he was just twelve or thirteen, he started writing so that he could gain a control over the chaos that comes with life.

He liked watching movies and reading stories that involved unusual, bizarre, curious, and arcane from things like “Twilight Zone”, “Ripley’s Believe it or Not”, and “Science Fiction Theatre”. He also enjoyed “One Step Beyond”.

He writes the “Jessica Coran” series, “Dean Grant” series, the “Lucas Stonecoat” series, “Ryne Lanark” series, the “Alastair Ransom” series, and “Abraham Stroud” series. His work is from the thriller and horror genres. He has published under such pen names as: Stephen Robertson, Geoffrey Caine, Glenn Hale, and Evan Kingsbury. Walker is pretty prolific as an author, and in 2003 and 2004, he put out a total of seven books.

“Killer Instinct” is the first novel in the “Jessica Coran” series and was released in the year 1992. Dr. Jessica Coran was a smart and determined medical examiner for the FBI, she was an expert of the criminal mind. Jessica believed that she could face anything. That was before she saw one of his victims in Wisconsin.

An FBI agent used a special code name (Tort 9) for this odd method of torture, which is the draining of someone’s blood. Newspapers begin calling the Vampire Killer. He left love letters and signed them “Teach”, and were addressed to Jessica Coran, the one woman that he desired most of all, both his prey and hunter.

Readers felt that Jessica was a strong character that they wanted to spend a lot of time with. Fans of the novel found this to have many characters that draw the reader in, upset them, and confuse them at all times. They make this a compelling read that makes the whole thing hard to step away from. Some are big fans of the whole series, and are glad that they picked them up, feeling that this one kicks the series off quite nicely.

“Fatal Instinct” is the second novel in the “Jessica Coran” series and was released in the year 1994. Jessica Coran has trapped and hunted some of the most infamous serial killers all over the country. She is called to New York so that she can hunt a modern day Jack the Ripper that has gotten the moniker “The Claw”.

The killer she chases is far more clever than anyone knows. He knows that someone is studying him from afar. He is going to painstaking lengths to plan the special fate he has in store for his next intended victim.

Things are made interesting this time around for some, due to the first book’s killer being involved in this one’s story line. Fans of the novel enjoy the twisting and turning the plot does, and the way that Walker is able to warp the killer’s perspective. Another from this series that is hard to put down. For some, this one may be a little better than the first because of the way it ramps up the tension, and there are even more gruesome details.

“Primal Instinct” is the third novel in the “Jessica Coran” series and was released in the year 1995. Dr. Jessica Coran is on vacation in Hawaii and is ordered to help out in an urgent investigation of a serial killer, killing in Hawaii.

He is called the Trade Winds Killer; he kills beautiful and young Hawaiian women. He uses a long and razor sharp blade that is commonly used to cut sugar cane. He operates precise, slow, ritualistic, it is almost religious.

Jessica has learned about serial killers, even been close enough to one to feel their breath on one of her ears. This one is pulling her farther into Hawaii’s underworld. It will take her places she never thought even existed. Just her own FBI badge is not going to protect her where this case is going to take her.

Robert W. Walker is at the top of the best thriller writers, for some readers, with the way he is able to spin a yarn. He keeps readers on the edge of your seat, and wondering what is going to happen next. Fans of the novel felt that the book pulled them in, right from the start, and they had a hard time stepping away from it for very long. Some only wish that they had found this stellar series much sooner, so they could have enjoyed it that much more.

“Pure Instinct” is the fourth novel in the “Jessica Coran” series and was released in the year 1995. There is a new horror killing in New Orleans. He has gotten the name of “Queen of Hearts” killer; as he goes around removing young men’s hearts. This killer is both savage and unstoppable. New Orleans’ Police commissioner has requested Jessica Coran, by name, to help solve the case.

Jessica is being hunted by something else. “The Vampire Killer” is out of prison, after escaping, and killing again, draining his victims of their blood. No one can find him, but they do know that he is coming after Jessica, as she is the one that caught him the last time.

Jessica now faces trouble from two different killers. Not even an unlikely and new partner from the FBI’s psychic program (it is an experimental thing) will be able to keep her safe from not one but two killers.

Master of the standalone thriller genre, Shari Lapena, is back. Author of The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest is the latest novel by Shari. It takes place in a cozy mountain lodge in Winter where various people are staying for a romantic getaway. A blizzard cuts off the power and any contact with the outside world so everyone settles in for the long haul. Then a guest dies. And another. Knowing Shari's other books, this should be one we'll be reading late into the night. For more details or to pre-order, visit our Shari Lapena page.

Recommendations

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Featured Series

Our book series of the month is the Will Robie Series by David Baldacci. If you like Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne etc then you'll love the Will Robie series. These are page turners to the max too and Baldacci knows how to keep you going all night long!

Featured Author

Bill Wenham is the author of various book series including The Inspector Charrington Mysteries and the Inspector Bruce Mysteries. He just started writing in his 80s to follow a life long dream. It’s an amazing story and the books he has written are pretty great too – his passion really shines through. Read more about Bills books.

Did You Know…

Chuck Palahniuk was born in Pasco, Washington on February 21, 1962. Most of his childhood was spent living in a mobile home in Burbank, Washington. However, after the divorce of his parents, Palahniuk and his siblings were sent to live with their maternal grandparents on a cattle ranch in Eastern Washington State. Palahniuk’s father began a relationship with another woman whose ex-boyfriend murdered the couple.